Harley-DavidsonScreamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines riders Eddie Krawiec and Andrew Hines are joining Summit Racing Equipment and Armed Forces Entertainment November 18-22 for Operation Appreciation, an annual visit to American troops stationed overseas.
After three years of visiting American military personnel based in Europe, Operation Appreciation will travel to the Middle East to visit troops in Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain. This year’s trip is the second for NHRA drag racers Krawiec and Hines.
“For me, this trip is a way to repay the troops a little bit by saying ‘Thank you,’ and letting them know that I appreciate what they do,” said Krawiec, the 2012 Pro Stock Motorcycle Champion, who recently concluded the 2013 season with a win at the final round in Pomona, California. “It’s something small, but it’s neat to be able to do that for them and put a smile on their faces.”
“It’s an honor to be included in Summit Racing’s Operation Appreciation,” said three-time PSM Champion Hines. “I’m looking forward to meeting with some of our American heroes and spending time with them. I know many of our troops are also supporters of NHRA, and it’s pretty special to be able to bring them a little excitement while they’re so far from home.”
“Our troops in this part of the world work right next door to areas of conflict like Syria and Afghanistan, and in an environment that most of them have not experienced before,” said Jim Greenleaf, Summit Racing Motorsports and Events Manager. “We hope bringing them a little slice of home will let these people know that they are appreciated.”
The trip is once again made possible by Army Special Forces Association Chapter 64 and is being led by the SFA’s SFC (Retired) Wayne Reed. Joining Krawiec and Hines on the trip are Summit Racing drivers Greg Anderson (NHRA Pro Stock), Jason Line (NHRA Pro Stock), and Dan Runte (Summit Racing/BIGFOOT monster truck).
Follow Hines and Krawiec during Operation Appreciation on Twitter at @AndrewHinesPSM and @EddieKrawiec or at OnAllCylinders.com, Summit Racing’s blog.
